Golf

Australian Smith dominated the Golf Open in a thrilling finish. McIlroy fails in key situations

Another name is indelibly inscribed in the history of world golf. Australian Cameron Smith claimed the first major title of his career at the Old Course at St. Andrews. He did it at the 150th anniversary edition of The Open. He left even his biggest rivals behind with a well-played round.

Published

2 years ago

18. 7. 2022

Rostislav Niedoba

Another name is indelibly inscribed in the history of world golf. Australian player Cameron Smith claimed the first major title of his career at the Old Course at St. Andrews. He did it at the 150th anniversary edition of The Open. He left even his biggest rivals behind with a well-played round.

The Australian golfer laid the foundation for victory in the first two days. He shot 67 on Thursday and 64 a day later. Yet he went into the final round four strokes behind the leading pair of McIlroy – Hovland.

On Sunday, however, he was able to repeat his phenomenal performance from Friday. For a long time it looked like it would be Rory McIlroy of Ireland who would dominate the fourth major of the season. But then the Australian made five birdies in a row, suddenly moving him into a share of the top spot on the leaderboard.

Rory McIlroy was nowhere near as dangerous as in previous rounds. While he made no major mistakes, he couldn’t convert any of the long putts. He rounded the fourth round with a score of -2, which was very low in the end.

The Irish darling moved up to third place, ahead of American Cameron Young, who was definitely not in the favourites before the tournament.

Cameron Smith took the final step towards a big triumph on the last hole, where he made his eighth birdie of the day. And since McIlroy didn’t make the eagle on the 18th to even the score, the Australian was able to celebrate in the end.

“It’sbeen a sensational week. To play my 100th The Open and walk away a winner is like a dream. I never thought I would get this far. It’s unreal to be there. I have no words,” gushes the newly crowned champion at the closing ceremony.

Smith notched his third win of the current season. In January, he won the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, with a record score of -34. Then in March, he dominated the prestigious The Players Championship. That time he added his first major to his collection of titles, jumping to second place in the overall season standings behind Scottie Scheffler, who finished tied for 21st with a score of -9.